WINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLAND



WINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLAND
 
I do watch Korean dramas but unfortunately, the famed Winter Sonata was not on my list.  The cinematographic location of the said series is said to have been filmed in an island known as Nami.

I know the names of the lead characters but I don’t know the storyline.  But whatever it is, the island sounds a must-go for hopeless romantics and curious travelers including myself.  And so we heeded the call.

The experience of a snow fall sounds remote and close to impossible as of the moment.  But to the last minute, I knew there must be something else in store at the island.

WINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLAND

A train, bus and ferry ride encompasses the journey to Naminara Island, popularly known as the Nami Island.  Situated 63km from Seoul in the middle of the Han River, the island is noted to appear on a birds-eye-view as a leaf floating on Cheongpyeong Lake. 

Thousands of trees are planted in the island which makes it a notable eco-tourism site.  The island was named after General Nami, a notable figure in Korean history who courageously fought in battles but died at the age of 26.  Today, Nami Island is a place for rest and relaxation, though highly commercialized in nature.

WINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLAND

WINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLAND

As soon as we disembarked from the ferry, visible are the portions covered by snow yet slowly vanishing.  We were in time for the transition of winter to spring. 

The 460,000 square meter island boasts of breathtaking walking paths.  But before we reach the walking paths, the wharf greets us with a statue of a mermaid and a portion covered by hanging heart-shaped cut cardboards of scribbles that might have been of the same concept as the love locks in other key cities of the world.

WINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLAND

WINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLAND
 
WINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLAND

WINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLAND

For a minimal fee, the island can be explored through a rented bicycle.  But we opted to explore by foot.

WINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLAND

WINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLAND

WINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLAND

WINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLAND
 
When spring comes, Nami Island is covered in flowers.  In summertime, the river winds blow through the shady woods.  In autumn, the fallen leaves carpet the earth, while in winter the island is transformed into a world of icicles and snow.  But none of which was offered for our sake.  The winter has passed and spring was about to commence, which leaves us with a boring landscape.  But boring as it is, still panoramic and picture-worthy as backdrop, making the island picturesque on whatever season it may be.

WINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLAND

WINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLANDWINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLAND

WINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLAND

Every nook and corner of the island is associated with scenes from the famed Korean drama, Winter Sonata.  You could find markers everywhere, in the likes of the first kiss, lane for biking, proposal and all other unforgettable scenes for the viewing public. This makes me think if the island would still gain the same popularity as it has today if the famed drama series was not filmed in the island. 

WINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLAND

WINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLANDWINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLAND
 
WINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLAND

WINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLAND

Like any other park, there are stalls and restaurants in the island but quite pricey.  We found a familiar restaurant offering Asian cuisine which served as our refuge from the cold breeze that hover the island.

WINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLAND

WINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLAND

WINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLAND

An open fireplace likewise sits in the middle of the walkways under a canopy of tall trees, some in the corner and hordes of tourists enjoy the landmarks and attractions surrounding the vicinity.  There are installations and pieces of artworks scattered in the island making the same an open gallery and exhibit.

WINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLAND

WINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLAND

WINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLANDWINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLAND

WINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLAND

WINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLAND

A gaze through the souvenir shops’ paintings, key chains and ref magnet pictures reveal the beauty of the island particularly on either autumn or spring, which makes me think of visiting the island on a different season.

The Winter Sonata experience at Nami Island is still worth the time.  Though it could have been more picturesque on other seasons, the relaxed and slow-paced discovery of the island with my travel buddy makes the tour unforgettable, rejuvenating and hassle-free.

WINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLAND

A slow and easy exploration it is, which would never be achieved had we availed of group tours.

WINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLAND

HOW TO GET THERE

Train

WINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLAND

Gyeongchun Line:   Sangbong – Gapyeong Station (about 50 min.)
ITX-Cheongchun:    Yongsan – Gapyeong Station (about 42 min.)
                   Chuncheon – Gapyeong Station (about 20 min.)
                                                  
Shuttle Bus

Insa-dong/Namdaemun – Nami Island
Direct Shuttle Bus (Mon-Sun)
      Seoul Insadong 9:30 (Nearby the west gate of Tapgol Park)
  Seoul Namdaemun 9:30 (Sungnyemun Square Bus Stop in front
      of Namdaemun Market)
  Nami Island 16:00 (Parking Lot in front of the ticket
      office)
Adult: KRW15,000 (round trip)/KRW7,500 (one way)
Child: KRW13,000 (round trip)/KRW6,500 (one way)
Note: Child is aged between 24 months to 12 years

Admission Fees:

Regular is KRW10,000
Discounted rate of KRW8,000 for foreigners
Special rates of KRW4,000 for visitors aged between 3 and 13; visitors after 6:10PM (December to March) and visitors after 7:10PM (April to November).

Note:  Admission fees include the round trip ferry fare and tax included.  Child aged 36 months and under is free.

Ferry Schedule:

WINTER SONATA AT NAMI ISLAND

07:30-9:00 - every 30 minutes after the first ferry at 7:30 departure – Gapyeong Wharf
09:00-18:00 – every 10-20 minutes
18:00-21:40 – every 30 minutes until last ferry at 21:40 departure – Nami Wharf

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3 comments

  1. Love ur commentary,very informative as if am travelling with your group.I agree that travel tours dont do justice wd their itenerary.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love ur commentary,very informative as if am travelling with your group.I agree that travel tours dont do justice wd their itenerary.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Love your commentary,very informative,like am travelling with your group.

    ReplyDelete